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Riders kept Plymouth at bay most of the game, and built leads without ever getting away, but their ball movement, particularly in the first and fourth quarters, was reminiscent of previous seasons.

“This is a very unselfish team, but to create real clear openings it is usually about the speed of the movement of the ball,” added Douse.

“We have been a little frustrated, but it always takes time to build that understanding in a team, about where team-mates are going to be, and where they like to receive the ball.

“At times, maybe we have been guilty of forcing things a little. That timing issue usually comes from an understanding that just takes time to develop.

“As a point-guard, coach (Rob) Paternostro is extremely demanding of me, but that is always to the good.

Keifer Douse against Bristol earlier in the season

“He expects me to command the floor, and he makes you think about a lot of the little stuff.

“But he wants to help us bring out our best, and I feel I am improving under his guidance.”

With family in Derby, Douse is another Riders player combining study at Loughborough University with life as a professional player. “It is great having family so close and I am always up and down there,” he said.

“There are always people there after a game who are going to give you encouragement. It also helps take my mind off basketball occasionally.

“Combining studies with being a pro player is not too much of a challenge because of the tremendous support we get at the university.

“We are also very fortunate at Riders that our captain, Tyler Bernardini, is so helpful to all the young guys, and he and Andy (Thomson) are always there to support and offer their advice.